28 September 2023
By: Lucille Botha
It’s not always wise to eradicate gum trees, even though six of the 85 gum species in South Africa have been declared invaders.
Gum trees are a source of nectar and pollen throughout the year, and it is estimated that about half of South Africa’s honey comes from gum trees, Shelly Fuller, manager of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) fruit and wine programme, said during Vinpro’s regional information day for Paarl and Swartland.
“Gum trees are often cut down by contractors who claim that all gum trees must be removed from all areas,” she said.
“To some extent this is justified, because they can consume up to 20% more water than indigenous trees, but there are misconceptions about which species you are allowed to keep on your farm and for which you need a permit.”
According to legislation, only the declared invasive species – the red gum, sugar gum, spider gum, curry gum, willow gum and forest red gum – must be removed. However, all gum species must be removed from riparian areas (i.e., within 32 metres of the bank of a river, dam, lake, island or river mouth).
If a gum tree serves a specific function in a landscape, such as providing shade for sheep, landowners can apply for a permit from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Fuller said the WWF has launched a pilot project in Grabouw and Langkloof, where pome fruit relies heavily on Cape honeybees for pollination. Intensive agriculture is practised in these areas, but they are surrounded by natural areas where projects are underway to remove invasive species.
“Beehives are part of an agricultural system, but because there is often no food in the fruit production areas, they are transported over long distances to canola lands,” said Fuller.
“We are now trying to understand how much pollination services are needed in each of the areas and how much food is available for bees at different times of the year. This way, we can determine which indigenous, or even invasive species like gum trees, we need to replant and restore to improve the health of beehives in orchards.”
Even cover crops in orchards and vineyards that are beneficial for soil health can provide valuable food for bees.
Fuller said agricultural businesses, especially in the corporate sector, want to support projects like these as part of their sustainability strategies. They collaborate with retailers and agricultural businesses to help fund projects.
She referred to Boland Cellars, recently declared a biodiversity champion, and its project with Greenpop. The company donates a portion of its wine revenue to plant trees that provide food for bees.
“We are now looking at whether we can bring it closer to home by establishing a biodiverse corridor with bee food between Boland Cellars’ supply farms between Perdeberg and Paarlberg,” said Fuller.
